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Sunday, February 09, 2014

Meert 75006

First of all, THANK YOU darling PBers for all the lovely messages and warm welcome to my new home in Paris! I'm looking forward to sharing many new adventures on the island with you.

Frederic, the manager of the newMeert shop (since 1761) in the 6th (3, rue Jacques Callot off rue Mazarine) somehow found Parisbreakfast and decided I must come visit on Friday. It's a mere 15 minute walk away.

This shop is bigger than the Marais store and absolutely dreamy.

Come inside.

All 19th century fixtures are modeled after the famous first Meert shop in the Northern town of Lille. I have to go there.

Remember we were talking about candy as medicine? In the Middle Ages Medieval knights brought back all manner of spices and herbs from the East. Many went straight into the coffers of pharmacists of the day, to be made into elixirs and pills(dragees). Frequently they were stored in these big glass jars still used in most French candy stores.

Or ceramic jars like these. Pharmacists were truly the first candy makers of their day. Just consider. They had ginger, cinnamon, vanilla (brought back by Cortez from Mexico), licorice, almonds, citrus, lavender, anise, sugar and finally chocolate just to name a few ingredients to work (play) with. These were luxury items savored only by the rich. Luckily things have changed.

Here's some medicine I fell instantly in love with at Meert.

Their framboise guimauve is well...some of the best I've tasted in France. Now I get it! Goodbye Campfire marshmallows. I'v moved on.

Meert is of course famous for their Flemish waffle cookies filled with a cream made of butter, brown cassonade sugar and Madagascar vanilla. Seasonally, the flavors can change to marron/chestnut and rum or pistachio and Morello cherries etc.

President de Gaulle was a huge fan of these waffles/gaufres. He grew up in Lille but remained attached. De Gaulle's driver was sent from the Elysees Palace to fetch a dozen cookies weekly. He did the 'waffle run' I guess.

This shop is so darn pretty. Even if sugar never passes your lips you have to visit. And they do have lovely gift items like cards and books.

I NEVER THOUGHT I WOULD SEE A PRETTIER SHOP THAN LADUREE --- BUT YOUR PHOTOS HAVE OVERWHELMED ME.PLEASE PLEASE OFFER YOUR PHOTOS, FOR SALE - !!!i want to frame them and put them on the walls of my kitchen……never have you inspired me more - than today's photos.i am in heaven…..

How fabulous for you and Bear. BTW, don't miss Auberge de la Reine Blanche @ #30 for your own petit cast iron pot of coq au vin. Deelish. And the doll house furniture on the walls will make for a great painting. Tres quaint.

Fun candy store in the 9th, at 30 rue Fontaine-metro = Blanche. Madame Acabo is a character(well known) and is the only one that Bernachon allows to carry his wonderful bars outside of his Lyon shop(s). Check out the place and pick up a Bernachon bar with caramel. Unbelievable. Ask Richard.

All that lovely chocolate! Oh, how dangerous it might be for me to even walk through the door! But I suspect I would be in absolute heaven! I'm so glad he invited you -- and extra happy you shared the news. The list gets longer. And longer!

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♥carol gillott♥

Paris, Ile de France, France

I moved to Paris 2 years ago. I should have done it sooner but that's how the macaron crumbles. Living on the Ile Saint Louis next to the Seine after the 19eme is 'la cerise sur la gâteau'. It doesn't get any better. I've painted watercolors for Bocuse, Champagne Mumm, Guerlain, Frederick Cassel, The Russian Tearoom and the Maharana of Udaipur.
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